A new chapter in Egypt’s storied history is being written with the recent discoveries at the site of Queen Hatshepsut’s funerary temple in Deir El-Bahari, Luxor. Led by the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage and the Supreme Council of Antiquities, this groundbreaking archaeological mission has unearthed treasures that illuminate the legacy of one of Egypt’s most enigmatic rulers.
The joint mission, which took three years of meticulous excavation, has revealed artifacts that shed light on Egypt’s 18th Dynasty and the Hyksos period, offering insights into the transition from the Middle Kingdom to this celebrated era. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), emphasized the significance of these findings, marking it as the first major archaeological breakthrough of 2025.
Among the highlights are inscribed blocks vividly depicting Queen Hatshepsut and King Thutmose III. “These artefacts capture the artistry of the time and will soon be showcased at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir,” Khaled announced.
Renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass unveiled arrowheads likely used in battles against the Hyksos and coffins dating to the 17th Dynasty, including that of “Djehuty Mes,” a key figure in Egypt’s liberation from the Hyksos. The modesty of the tombs, despite their occupants’ high status, reflects the economic toll of prolonged conflicts. Hawass speculated that nearby tombs might belong to Kings Kamose and Ahmose, pointing to further potential discoveries.
Tarek El Awady, deputy director of the archaeological mission, detailed the unearthing of Queen Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple foundations and over 1,000 blocks with intricate bas-reliefs and inscriptions. These artefacts depict the artistic mastery under Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. El Awady noted that the intact foundation deposits are unparalleled since Herbert L. Winlock’s excavations a century ago.
The mission also revealed older necropolises beneath Hatshepsut’s temple, offering a glimpse into funerary practices of earlier periods. Artefacts recovered include pottery, offering tables, and symbolic models of bread, wine, and meat.
An intriguing find was the intact “Rishi coffins,” including one containing the remains of a child, alongside everyday items like a well-preserved mat and woven wooden bed, hinting at the lives of necropolis guards during Egypt’s struggles against the Hyksos.
Layers of history were peeled back to uncover parts of a Ptolemaic necropolis with bronze coins featuring Alexander the Great, children’s toys, funerary masks, and scarabs. These finds add depth to Egypt’s extensive historical tapestry.
The team remains dedicated to analyzing and preserving these priceless artifacts, ensuring their incorporation into Egypt’s rich historical narrative and upcoming exhibitions.
